But the Lions still trailed at the interval, and looked vulnerable as Taranaki started the second half with a bang.

But a fumbled pass in defence after 47 minutes allowed the Lions to respond, Cusiter and Hodgson combining to send Corry sliding over in the right corner, the try awarded after reference to the video referee.

Hodgson narrowly missed the conversion from the touchline, but knocked over two more penalties before the hour to give the Lions a 10-point cushion at 17-7.

The second came after Taranaki hooker Andrew Hore was sin-binned for the home side's persistent offending.